RIG IT TO FLOAT or TETHER IT TO YOU OR THE YAK or you'll be sorry

Lots of different ways to do it. While some work better than
others, as long as it works for you do it.

Home made Rod Leash


Hobie Drive Leash


Plier Leash


Home Made Rod Floats


Stake-Out Leash


More Rod Leashes


Genius!!!


Remember to secure your crate & cooler too:

Ok, I found this thread.....looks like it could be a good start to a dedicated "rigging" thread. Who is a moderator who could make it a sticky? Nate, maybe you could rename it "Rigging Basics"?

To add to the discussion on rod tethering, I have used tethers that velcro around the rod, clip to the reel handle, reel stem or around the rod. The problem always is that when you hook up with a fish, they are in the way to play a fish or cumbersome to unhook. I made these simple loops that I put around the base of my rod - enough loop that I can easily get a clip hooked but not so long they can get into the bail or are in the way of holding the rod. If I get hooked up while tethered, I can easily put the tether under my hand so it's not in the way or easily unclip and play the fish untethered. Additionally, I have now gone away from metal clips to a plastic Scotty clip....the plastic clip seems plenty strong and does not have the weight of or bangs around like a metal clip. I've only started using them so I'll see how it plays out. Here is a pic of the rod loops I made:




Enough length of 550 paracord to make 3-4 wraps around rod base, ends overlapped and sewn with fishing line, superglued and then covered with shrink tubing. This is prob the worst one I made - didn't leave enough shrink wrap to fully cover the overlap.

Nicely done once again Nate congrats to you Sir for all you contribute.Also to everyone for their inputs,and yes this should be a sticky.I read the tread and if I over looked this one please forgive me.One VERY important thing we should all keep on board is the "SUNSCREEN" it has killed way to many people and is easily forgotten.So be safe take all these ideas and have a great time on the water,Mike

I'm a little late but I really prefer the "Cowboy Style" of re-entry personally. Granted you don't have too much rigging to get in your way. It seems much more stable to me. Not to mention a little more dignified. LOL. Ive even learned to use my paddle underneath deck lashing as a sort of pull-up bar. I've done it in flowing rough water and surf. I learned in a SINK so, that probably has something to do with it being my preferred method.

Great post!

Hope everyone has had an enjoyable and safe summer.

What about those things that you must have close at hand? What do you attach to your PFD? Obviously, we want some of the lures we would be using on a trip, and the safety knife (already mentioned), but what else?

I picked these up about six months ago, and can't live without them now. Not great on braid though. ($6.99 at Academy)


I've seen Chad Hoover have his scent stick on a lanyard, but I've got no idea how he did that.

I just bought one of those last month and it is AWESOME. So much more convenient than nail clippers. Always handy and always out of the way.

They are great. Now if I could just remember where I put it!

Clip it to your PFD.

Aggie: I was just biting the line. lol. Definitely worth the 7.00.

I did. Have you seen my PFD? JK, I don't know where I've put it!

I was at a fishing show, where I met one of the boomerang guys at their booth. Told him what a great tool that is, but the light went out shortly after buying one. A week later a package arrived in the mail with 30 batteries and 3 new clippers in it.
Wow, Been using the same one for several years, they cut through braided lines, 60# mono, most anything.

Yep, Nice fishing tool IMO.
found mine in the fly section at a 1 of them big retailers.
Their higher quality stainless allows them handle the salt too
Great for any angler but especially for us yak anglers IMO

Needs a rudder?